Japanese Wii Ware Finalized

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Release dates, pricing, and new games.

By John Tanaka

Nintendo Japan has been sticking with a vague March release time frame for the Japanese version of the Wii Ware game download service, even as March began. At long last, the company has decided to share the specifics, including a precise launch date, pricing, and even a couple of new games.

In Japan, the service will kick off on March 25. On that day, Wii owners will be able to download nine games:

Click on the name to access the mini website Nintendo has set up for the game.

Pricing for Crystal Chronicles was revealed back at the service's announcement late last year to be 1,500 Wii Points. That appears to be towards the higher end of pricing for the service, which also includes games from 500 Wii Points to 1,000 Wii Points.

Of the games with release dates, a couple may be unfamiliar to you. LONPOS is a "mind puzzle" game from Genki that's playable with a single Wiimote. In addition to a single player mode, the game includes score and time attack versus play for between two and four players. Genki mentions the availability of nine download packs containing 25 puzzles each, but we're not sure if these are for charge or if they'll be available for free.

Konami's Animal Panic is also a puzzle game that's playable exclusively with the Wiimote. Your goal is to build fences around animals in order to isolate them. The game includes cooperative and competitive play for up to four players along with mini games.

We'll have full coverage of all the Wii Ware games, both domestic and international, on launch day, so Wii owners should be sure and check back later this month.